Rothe House & Garden

Explore the original castle grounds, running from Parliament Street back to the original city walls. What is visible from the street only hints at the impressiveness inside! Comprised of three houses with interconnecting courtyards before finally rising to a magnificently restored 0.2 acre garden, Rothe House & Garden is truly a hidden gem!
Take a self-guided tour to explore at leisure, or join a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable guides to uncover the full story.
We invite families to join the fun and offer a scavenger hunt to entertain younger visitors.

Opening hours and admission prices are available here:
rothehouse.com/visit-2

The Rothe House, is a 16th century merchant house. This is where the merchant John Rothe Fitz Piers lived with his wife Rose Archer and their eleven children.

Learn about family history and life at the time, stroll through the garden and be transported back to Tudor times.

Kilkenny's Regional Museum is housed in three Tudor style town houses in a row. The buildings alone, built between 1594 and 1610, are worth a visit. Paintings from the 18th century, antique furniture and historical exhibits from the region are presented in the whitewashed rooms with beautiful oak beam ceilings.

Rothe House & Garden in Kilkenny is a remarkable historical gem dating back to 1594, originally built by John Rothe Fitz-Piers, a wealthy merchant. This three-house complex provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval life in Kilkenny, offering beautifully restored rooms and a meticulously recreated period garden with herbs, fruit trees, and flowers from that era. Visitors can explore artifacts uncovered from the 17th century, such as pottery and coins, giving insight into the daily life of the time.Rothe House is not just a museum but a peaceful escape, offering a contrast to the grandeur of nearby Kilkenny Castle. It's highly recommended to take a guided tour for a deeper understanding of Kilkenny's history and the Rothe family's legacy. The garden is particularly delightful, often inviting guests to sample fruits like apples as they wander through its serene surroundings.